Connection assembly for interconnecting to a frame

ABSTRACT

A connection assembly is provided for interconnecting to a frame. The connection assembly including a generally flat plate. The plate is defined by an inner face, an outer face and a first pair of bolt-receiving bores therethrough. The pair of bolt-receiving bores extend between the inner face and the outer face along bore axes at acute angles to the outer face. A first lip extends from the inner face of the plate along a first axis and a second lip extends from the inner face of the plate along a second axis generally perpendicular to the second axis.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 13/086,691filed Apr. 14, 2011, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/327,925 filed on Apr. 26, 2010, the entirety ofwhich is expressly incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to structural frame assemblies forautomation equipment and the like, and in particular, to a connectionassembly which is mechanically interlocked to a frame in such a manneras to maintain connection to the frame during repeated use.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

As is known, structural frames are used in the construction of a widevariety of products, including everything from automation equipment andfurniture to buildings and the like. Structural frames typicallyincorporate horizontal and vertical frame members tied together bycorner pieces, joints or bonding. Coverings, such as panels, may besecured to the frame members to isolate the interior of the structuralframes and/or to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Inaddition, various components may be interconnected to the structuralframe to allow the structural frame to be used for its intended purpose.By way of example, hinges may be interconnected to the structural frameto facilitate the mounting of a door thereto. Alternatively, sliders maybe interconnected to the sides of a structural frame so as to allow thestructural frame to function as a drawer. It can be appreciated thatother types of components may be interconnected to the structural frameto facilitate the intended purpose thereof.

Typically, the components of a structural frame are held together bymeans of friction. For examples, nut and bolt combinations are oftenused to secure horizontal and vertical frame members together. However,the nut and bolt combinations holding the structural frames togetheroften come loose over time when subjected to vibration and/or theenvironment. As the nut and bolt combinations loosen, the integrity ofthe structural frame may be compromised. Further, as the nut and boltcombinations loosen, the frame members and the components thereforerotate with respect to one another, thereby compromising the alignmentof the structural frame.

Therefore, it is a primary object and feature of the present inventionto provide a connection assembly which mechanically interlocks to aframe in such a manner as to maintain connection to the frame duringrepeated use.

It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide aconnection assembly which may be simply and easily mechanicallyinterlocked to a frame.

It is a still further object and feature of the present invention toprovide a connection assembly which may be mechanically interlocked to aframe and which is adapted for a variety of uses.

In accordance with the present invention, a connection assembly isprovided for interconnecting to a frame. The connection assemblyincludes a generally flat plate having an inner face, an outer face andfirst and second bolt-receiving bores therethrough. The bolt-receivingbores extend between the inner face and the outer face along bore axesat acute angles to the outer face.

The connection assembly may also include a first bolt extending throughthe first bolt-receiving bore in the plate and a second bolt extendingthrough the second bolt-receiving bore in the plate. A first elongatedframe member is connectable to the frame and has a surface with a slotextending therein. A second elongated frame member is connectable to theframe and has a surface with a slot extending therein. A first nut isreceivable in the slot in the first elongated frame member and includesa bolt-receiving bore therein. The bolt-receiving bore is adapted forreceiving the first bolt in a mating relationship. A second nut isreceivable in the slot in the second elongated frame member and includesa bolt-receiving bore therein. The bolt-receiving bore is adapted forreceiving the second bolt in a mating relationship.

Each slot is defined by first and second converging sidewalls. Thesidewalls lie in corresponding planes which are at acute angles to thesurface in which the slot extends. The first and second convergingsidewalls have terminal ends and each slot is further defined by firstand second diverging outer abutment walls which extend from the terminalends of the first and second converging sidewalls and have terminalends. Each slot may also be defined by first and second diverging innerabutment walls extending from the terminal ends of the first and secondouter diverging sidewalls toward the surface in which the slot extends.The first and second diverging inner abutment walls having terminalends. The terminal ends of the first and second diverging inner abutmentwalls defining each slot are interconnected by a generally concaveterminal wall.

Each nut includes a generally flat engagement surface has first andsecond edges and is engageable with one of the first and seconddiverging outer abutment walls defining the slot in which the nut isreceived. A first abutment wall extends from the first edge of theengagement surface and is engageable with one of the first and seconddiverging inner abutment walls defining the slot in which the nut isreceived. An alignment surface extends from the second edge of theengagement surface and has a terminal edge. The alignment surface isgenerally perpendicular to the engagement surface. A second abutmentwall extends from the terminal edge of the alignment surface and isengageable with the other of the first and second diverging outerabutment walls defining the slot in which the nut is received. Thesecond abutment wall has a terminal edge. A third abutment wall extendsfrom the terminal edge of the second abutment wall and is engageablewith the other of the first and second diverging inner abutment wallsdefining the slot in which the nut is received. The third abutment wallhas a terminal edge.

The bolt-receiving bore in each nut extends along an axis generallyperpendicular to the engagement surface of the nut and the plate mayinclude a lip projecting from the inner face thereof. It is contemplatedfor the plate to include a first leg portion extending along a firstaxis and having the first bolt-receiving bore therethrough and a secondleg portion extending along a second axis perpendicular to the firstaxis and having the second bolt-receiving bore therethough. In sucharrangement, a first lip extends from the inner face of the first legportion of the plate along an axis generally parallel to the first axisand a second lip extends from the inner face of the second leg portionof the plate along an axis generally parallel to the second axis.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, aconnection assembly is provided for interconnecting to a frame. Theconnection assembly includes a generally flat plate. The plate isdefined by an inner face, an outer face and a first pair ofbolt-receiving bores therethrough. The pair of bolt-receiving boresextend between the inner face and the outer face along bore axes atacute angles to the outer face. A first lip extends from the inner faceof the plate along a first axis and a second lip extends from the innerface of the plate along a second axis generally perpendicular to thesecond axis.

A first pair of bolts extend through the first pair of bolt-receivingbores in the plate. A first elongated frame member is connectable to theframe and has a surface with a slot extending therein. A secondelongated frame member is connectable to the frame and has a surfacewith a slot extending therein. A first nut is receivable in the slot inthe first elongated frame member and includes a bolt-receiving boretherein. The bolt-receiving bore is adapted for receiving a first boltof the first pair of bolts in a mating relationship. A second nut isreceivable in the slot in the second elongated frame member and includesa bolt-receiving bore therein. The bolt-receiving bore in the second nutis adapted for receiving a second bolt of the first pair of bolts in amating relationship.

Each slot is defined by first and second converging sidewalls. Thesidewalls lie in corresponding planes which are at acute angles to thesurface in which the slot extends. The first and second convergingsidewalls have terminal ends and each slot is further defined by firstand second diverging outer abutment walls which extend from the terminalends of the first and second converging sidewalls and have terminalends. Each slot may also be defined by first and second diverging innerabutment walls extending from the terminal ends of the first and secondouter diverging sidewalls toward the surface in which the slot extends.The first and second diverging inner abutment walls having terminalends. The terminal ends of the first and second diverging inner abutmentwalls defining each slot are interconnected by a generally concaveterminal wall.

Each nut includes a generally flat engagement surface has first andsecond edges and is engageable with one of the first and seconddiverging outer abutment walls defining the slot in which the nut isreceived. A first abutment wall extends from the first edge of theengagement surface and is engageable with one of the first and seconddiverging inner abutment walls defining the slot in which the nut isreceived. An alignment surface extends from the second edge of theengagement surface and has a terminal edge. The alignment surface isgenerally perpendicular to the engagement surface. A second abutmentwall extends from the terminal edge of the alignment surface and isengageable with the other of the first and second diverging outerabutment walls defining the slot in which the nut is received. Thesecond abutment wall has a terminal edge. A third abutment wall extendsfrom the terminal edge of the second abutment wall and is engageablewith the other of the first and second diverging inner abutment wallsdefining the slot in which the nut is received. The third abutment wallhas a terminal edge. The bolt-receiving bore in each nut extends alongan axis generally perpendicular to the engagement surface of the nut.

In accordance with a still aspect of the present invention, a connectionassembly is provided for interconnecting to a frame. The connectionassembly includes a generally flat plate. The plate is defined by aninner face, an outer face and a first pair of bolt-receiving borestherethrough. The pair of bolt-receiving bores extend between the innerface and the outer face along bore axes at acute angles to the outerface. A first pair of bolts extend through the first pair ofbolt-receiving bores in the plate. A first elongated frame member isconnectable to the frame and has a surface with a slot extendingtherein. A second elongated frame member is connectable to the frame andhas a surface with a slot extending therein. A first nut is receivablein the slot in the first elongated frame member and includes abolt-receiving bore therein. The bolt-receiving bore is adapted forreceiving a first bolt of the first pair of bolts in a matingrelationship. A second nut is receivable in the slot in the secondelongated frame member and includes a bolt-receiving bore therein. Thebolt-receiving bore in the second nut is adapted for receiving a secondbolt of the first pair of bolts in a mating relationship.

Each slot is defined by first and second converging sidewalls. Thesidewalls lie in corresponding planes which are at acute angles to thesurface in which the slot extends. Each slot is further defined by firstand second diverging outer abutment walls. The first diverging outerabutment wall is generally perpendicular to the first convergingsidewall and the second diverging outer abutment wall is generallyperpendicular to the second converging sidewall. Each slot is furtherdefined by first and second diverging inner abutment walls. The firstdiverging inner abutment wall is generally perpendicular to the secondconverging sidewall and the second diverging inner abutment wall isgenerally perpendicular to the first converging sidewall. The first andsecond diverging inner abutment walls defining each slot areinterconnected by a terminal wall.

Each nut includes a generally flat engagement surface has first andsecond edges and is engageable with one of the first and seconddiverging outer abutment walls defining the slot in which the nut isreceived. A first abutment wall extends from the first edge of theengagement surface and is engageable with one of the first and seconddiverging inner abutment walls defining the slot in which the nut isreceived. An alignment surface extends from the second edge of theengagement surface and has a terminal edge. The alignment surface isgenerally perpendicular to the engagement surface. A second abutmentwall extends from the terminal edge of the alignment surface and isengageable with the other of the first and second diverging outerabutment walls defining the slot in which the nut is received. Thesecond abutment wall has a terminal edge. A third abutment wall extendsfrom the terminal edge of the second abutment wall and is engageablewith the other of the first and second diverging inner abutment wallsdefining the slot in which the nut is received. The third abutment wallhas a terminal edge. The bolt-receiving bore in each nut extends alongan axis generally perpendicular to the engagement surface of the nut. Itis contemplated for a first lip to extend from the inner face of theplate along a first axis and a second lip to extend from the inner faceof the plate along a second axis generally perpendicular to the secondaxis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings furnished herewith illustrate a preferred construction ofthe present invention in which the above advantages and features areclearly disclosed as well as others which will be readily understoodfrom the following description of the illustrated embodiment.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a first side of an assembled frameincorporating frame members and components therefore in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a second side of the assembled frame ofFIG. 1 incorporating frame members and components therefore inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged isometric view of the assembled frame taken alongline 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the assembled frame taken along line4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the assembled frame taken along line5-5 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged isometric view of the assembled frame taken alongline 6-6 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the assembled frame taken along line7-7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the assembled frame taken along line8-8 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a frame member in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of the frame member taken along line10-10 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged isometric view of the assembled frame taken alongline 11-11 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 11A is a side elevational view of a nut in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 11B is an isometric view of a first side of the nut of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 11C is an isometric view of a second side of the nut of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a portion of the assembled frame of FIG.1 showing first and second interconnected frame members in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 13 is an end view of the first and second interconnected framemembers of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view of the first and second interconnectedframe members taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view of the first and second interconnectedframe members taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 12;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged isometric view of the assembled frame taken alongline 16-16 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view of the assembled frame taken alongline 17-17 of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged isometric view of the assembled frame taken alongline 18-18 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 18A is a cross sectional view of the assembled frame taken alongline 18A-18A of FIG. 18;

FIG. 18B is a cross sectional view of the assembled frame taken alongline 18B-18B of FIG. 18;

FIG. 19 is an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of a framemember in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 20 is an end view of the frame member of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a front elevational view of the frame member of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a top plan view of the frame member of FIG. 19;

FIG. 23 is rear elevational view of the frame member of FIG. 19;

FIG. 24 is an isometric view of a corner piece in accordance with thepresent invention mounted on an alternate frame member;

FIG. 25 is an end view of the corner piece and the frame member of FIG.24; and

FIG. 26 is a cross sectional view of the corner piece and the framemember taken along line 26-26 of FIG. 24;

FIG. 27 is an isometric view of a further embodiment of a corner piecein accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 28 is a front elevational view of the corner piece of FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a rear elevational view of the corner piece of FIG. 27;

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the corner piece of the presentinvention take along line 30-30 of FIG. 28;

FIG. 31 is a top plan view of the corner piece of FIG. 27;

FIG. 32 is bottom plan view of the corner piece of FIG. 27;

FIG. 33 is a side elevational view of a first side of the corner pieceof FIG. 27;

FIG. 34 is a side elevational view of a second side of the corner pieceof FIG. 27;

FIG. 35 is an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of a cornerpiece in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 36 is a front elevational view of the corner piece of FIG. 35;

FIG. 37 is a rear elevational view of the corner piece of FIG. 35;

FIG. 38 is a top plan view of the corner piece of FIG. 35;

FIG. 39 is bottom plan view of the corner piece of FIG. 35.

FIG. 40 is a side elevational view of a first side of the corner pieceof FIG. 35;

FIG. 41 is a side elevational view of a second side of the corner pieceof FIG. 35;

FIG. 42 is an isometric view of a still further embodiment of a cornerpiece in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 43 is a front elevational view of the corner piece of FIG. 42;

FIG. 44 is a rear elevational view of the corner piece of FIG. 42;

FIG. 45 is a top plan view of the corner piece of FIG. 42;

FIG. 46 is bottom plan view of the corner piece of FIG. 42;

FIG. 47 is a side elevational view of a first side of the corner pieceof FIG. 42;

FIG. 48 is a side elevational view of a second side of the corner pieceof FIG. 42;

FIG. 49 is an isometric view of a still further embodiment of a cornerpiece in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 50 is a front elevational view of the corner piece of FIG. 49;

FIG. 51 is a rear elevational view of the corner piece of FIG. 49;

FIG. 52 is a top plan view of the corner piece of FIG. 49;

FIG. 53 is bottom plan view of the corner piece of FIG. 49;

FIG. 54 is a side elevational view of a first side of the corner pieceof FIG. 49;

FIG. 55 is a side elevational view of a second side of the corner pieceof FIG. 49;

FIG. 56 is an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of a hinge inaccordance with the present invention in an open configuration;

FIG. 57 is an end view of the hinge of FIG. 56;

FIG. 58 is a top plan view of the hinge of FIG. 56.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to FIG. 1, a frame assembly constructed from components inaccordance with the present invention is generally designated by thenumeral 10. As hereinafter described, the components of the presentinvention may be used to construct frame assemblies of variousconfigurations. As such, frame assembly 10 is merely exemplary of thetype of frame assembly that may be constructed utilizing the componentsof the presents. Other configurations of frame assembly 10 arecontemplated as being within the scope of the present invention.

Frame assembly 10 includes door frame 12 defined by first and secondopposite, spaced apart longitudinally extending side frame members 14and 16, respectively, upper frame member 18 and lower frame member 20.First side frame member 14 is rigidly interconnected to upper and lowerframe members 18 and 20, respectively, by corner pieces 26,respectively. Similarly, second side frame member 16 is rigidlyinterconnected to upper and lower cross frame members 18 and 20,respectively, by corner pieces 26, respectively. Corner piece 26 ishereinafter referred to as left corner pieces while corner piece 24 arehereinafter referred to as right corner piece. The terms “right” and“left” refer to the location of a tenon or lip on the underside of eachcorner piece. It can be appreciated that left corner piece 26 isessentially a mirror image of right corner pieces 24. Corner pieces 24and 26 are used to rigidly interconnect frame members, such as first andsecond side frame members 14 and 16, respectively, to cross framemembers such as upper cross frame member 18 and lower frame member 20,as hereinafter described.

In the depicted embodiment, first and second side frame members 14 and16, respectively, upper frame member 18 and lower frame member 20 areidentical in structure, and as such, the description hereinafter offirst side frame member 14 is understood to describe second side framemember 16, upper frame member 18 and lower frame member 20, as if fullydescribed herein. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 9-10, first side frame member14 has a generally square configuration and extends along a longitudinalaxis. First side frame member 14 is defined by four faces 30 a-30 d.Each face 30 a-30 d is identical in structure, and as such, thedescription hereinafter of face 30 a is understood to describe faces 30b-30 d, as if fully described herein. Each face 30 a of first side framemember 14 is generally flat and includes slot 32 therein that extendsalong the entire length thereof. Slot 32 is defined by first and secondsidewalls 34 and 36, respectively, extending from face 30 a at an angle38 thereto. It is contemplated that angle 38 fall within the range of 1°and 89°, but is preferably between about 30° to about 80° and is mostpreferably about 65°. Slot 32 is further defined by first and secondouter abutment walls 42 and 44, respectively, which diverge fromcorresponding terminal edges 34 a and 36 a, respectively, of first andsecond sidewalls 34 and 36, respectively. First abutment wall 42 isperpendicular to first sidewall 34 and second abutment wall 44 isperpendicular to second sidewall 36. First and second inner abutmentwalls 46 and 48, respectively, diverge from each other and extend frominner edges 42 a and 44 a, respectively of first and second outerabutment walls 42 and 44, respectively. Concave terminal wall 50 extendsbetween terminal edges 46 a and 48 a, respectively, of first and secondinner abutment walls 46 and 48, respectively. For reasons hereinafterdescribed, first outer abutment wall 42 lies in a plane generallyparallel to the plane of second inner abutment wall 48. Similarly,second outer abutment wall 44 lies in a plane generally parallel to theplane of first inner abutment wall 46. Slot 32 is configured to conformto the shape of nuts 104 captured therein, as hereinafter described.

Referring to FIGS. 19-23, an alternate embodiment of frame member isgenerally designated by the reference numeral 51. Frame member 51 has agenerally square configuration and extends along a longitudinal axis.More specifically, frame member 51 is defined by four, generally flatfaces 53 a-53 d, as well as, first and second opposite ends 55 and 57,respectively. It is contemplated for frame member 51 to be fabricated inany user desired length. Faces 53 b and 53 d are generally flat andparallel to each other. Face 53 c interconnects faces 53 b and 53 d atedges 59 and 61, respectively. Similarly, face 53 a interconnects faces53 b and 53 d at edges 63 and 65, respectively, and includes slot 32(heretofore described) therein that extends along the entire lengththereof. The ends of slot 32 open to corresponding ends 55 and 57 offrame member 51. As previously described, slot 32 is configured toconform to the shape of nuts 104 captured therein.

Referring back to FIGS. 9-10, first side frame member 14 includes firstledge 52 formed at the junction of first face 30 a and second face 30 band extending along the length thereof. First ledge 52 is defined byfirst and second sidewalls 54 and 56, respectively, that areperpendicular to and intersect each other. First sidewall 54 intersectsfirst face 30 a at edge 58 and second sidewall 56 intersects second face30 b at edge 60. Second ledge 62 is formed at the junction of secondface 30 b and third face 30 c and extends along the length of first sideframe member 14. Second ledge 62 is defined by first and secondsidewalls 64 and 66, respectively, that are perpendicular to andintersect each other. First sidewall 64 intersects second face 30 b atedge 68 and second sidewall 66 intersects third face 30 c at edge 70.Third ledge 72 is formed at the junction of third face 30 c and fourthface 30 d and extends along the length of first side frame member 14.Third ledge 72 is defined by first and second sidewalls 74 and 76,respectively, that are perpendicular to and intersect each other. Firstsidewall 74 intersects third face 30 c at edge 78 and second sidewall 76intersects fourth face 30 d at edge 80. Fourth ledge 82 is formed at thejunction of fourth face 30 d and first face 30 a and extends along thelength of first side frame member 14. Fourth ledge 82 is defined byfirst and second sidewalls 84 and 86, respectively, that areperpendicular to and intersect each other. First sidewall 84 intersectsfourth face 30 d at edge 88 and second sidewall 86 intersects first face30 a at edge 90. First side frame member 14 may include a plurality ofpassageways 92 a-92 d extending through the entire length thereof. Inaddition, central passageway 93 extends through the entire length offirst side frame member 14 along the central longitudinal axis thereof.It is noted that first, second, third and fourth ledges 52, 62, 72 and82, respectively, are optional in certain circumstances, as hereinafterdescribed.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 42-48, left corner pieces 26 interconnect firstside frame member 14 to upper and lower cross frame members 18 and 20,respectively. Each left corner piece 26 includes an L-shaped bodydefined by horizontal plate member 94 and an upright or vertical platemember 96. Horizontal plate member 94 defines a substantially flat upperface 95, a substantially flat opposite inner face 97, an inside face101, and an end face 1-3. In the depicted embodiment, each of thesefaces is substantially planar in shape. Upright or vertical plate member96 also defines a substantially flat inner face 107 contiguous with theinner face 97 of horizontal plate member 94, a substantially flat outerface 109 contiguous with the upper face 95 of horizontal plate member94, an inside face 111 contiguous with the inside face 101 of horizontalplate member 94, and a bottom face 115. Horizontal plate member 94 has apair of adjacent, upwardly extending bolt receiving bores 98 and 113formed therethrough that extend between the inner face 97 and the upperface 95 thereof. Each bore 98 and 113 defines an axis generally parallelto the plane in which vertical plate member 96 lies and is disposed atan acute angle with respect to the lower face of horizontal plate member94. It is preferred that the acute angle fall in the range of 1° and89°, but preferably between about 30° and about 80°, and is mostpreferably about 65°. Bolts (not shown) extend through correspondingbores 98 and 113, respectively, in horizontal plate member 94 into slot32 in first face 30 a of upper cross frame member 18. As hereinafterdescribed, nuts 104 are provided within a terminal end of the slot 32 infirst face 30 a of upper cross frame member 18 and threaded onto theshafts of corresponding bolts so as to rigidly connect left corner piece26 to upper cross frame member 18.

Upright or vertical plate member 96 of left corner piece 26 alsoincludes a pair of adjacent, aligned outwardly extending bolt receivingbores 105 and 106 formed therethrough from its inner face 107 to itsouter face 109 through which corresponding bolts (not shown) extend intoslot 32 in first face 30 a of first side frame member 14. Each bore 105and 106 defines an axis generally parallel to the plane in whichhorizontal plate member 94 lies and is disposed at an acute angle withrespect to the inner face 107 of vertical plate member 96. Again, thisacute angle may be anywhere between 1° and 89°, but is preferablybetween about 30° and about 80°, and is most preferably about 65°. Nuts104 are provided within a terminal end of the slot 32 in first face 30 aof first side frame member 14 and threaded onto the shafts ofcorresponding bolts so as to rigidly connect left corner piece 26 tofirst side frame member 14.

Vertical plate member 96 has a lip 114 projecting outwardly therefrom.Lip 114 has a lower surface contiguous with the bottom face 115 ofvertical plate member 96. Lip 114 is disposed substantially 90° withrespect to the outer face 109 of vertical plate member 96 along theentire length thereof. Although lip 114 need not necessarily extendalong the entire length across the outer face 109 of vertical platemember 96, but preferably does so to provide the maximum amount ofclamping force against first ledge 52 in first side frame member 14.Similarly, horizontal plate member 94 has a lip 116 projecting outwardlytherefrom. Lip 116 has an end surface contiguous with the end face 103of horizontal plate member 94. Lip 116 is disposed substantially 90°with respect to the outer face 95 of horizontal plate member 94 alongthe entire length thereof. Although lip 116 need not necessarily extendalong the entire length across the outer face 95 of vertical platemember 94, but preferably does so to provide the maximum amount ofclamping force against first ledge 52 in upper side frame member 18. Itis contemplated for outer face 120 of lip 116 to be generally contiguouswith outer face 122 of lip 114.

Left corner piece 26 first includes first and second gussets 126 and128, respectively, extending between the inner faces 97 and 107 ofhorizontal plate member 94 and vertical plate member 96. First andsecond gussets 126 and 128, respectively, include inner faces 126 a and128 a directed toward each other and outer faces 126 b and 128 b. Outerface 126 b of first gusset 126 is contiguous with outer face 120 of lip116 and with outer face 122 of lip 114.

Referring to FIGS. 11A-11C, in order to interconnect left corner piece26 to first side frame member 14 and to upper cross frame member 18,nuts 104 are provided. Each nut 104 is defined by first and second endfaces 130 and 132, respectively. First and second end faces 130 and 132,respectively, are spaced by a generally convex surface 134. Surface 134of nut 104 includes first arcuate portion 136 having an outer edge 136 aand an inner edge 136 b. First flat portion 140 extends from inner edge136 b of first arcuate portion 136 and terminates at edge 142 which isgenerally parallel to inner edge 136 b. Second flat portion 144 ofsurface 134 extends from edge 142 terminates at edge 146 which isgenerally parallel to edge 142. Second arcuate portion 148 of surface134 extends from edge 146 and terminates at terminal edge 148 a.

Each nut 104 further includes engagement surface 160 extending fromfirst end face 130 to second end face 132, and between outer edge 136 aand edge 146. Engagement surface 160 is defined by first abutment wall164 which extends from outer edge 136 a and terminates at inner edge166. Central abutment wall 168 extends from inner edge 166 andterminates at terminal edge 169. Central abutment wall 168 lies in aplane generally parallel to the plane in which second flat portion 144of convex surface 134. Threaded apertures 170 extend between centralabutment wall 168 and second flat portion 144 of convex surface 134along corresponding axes generally perpendicular thereto, for reasonshereinafter described. The number and location of apertures extendingbetween central abutment wall 168 and second flat portion 144 of convexsurface 134 may vary without deviating from the scope of the presentinvention. Engagement surface 160 further includes alignment surface 176which extends from terminal edge 169 of central abutment wall 168 and isgenerally perpendicular to central abutment wall 168. Alignment surface176 terminates at inner edge 178. It is intend for alignment surface 176to form a slidable interface with a selected one of first and secondsidewalls 34 and 36, respectively, partially defining slot 32, forreasons hereinafter described. Second abutment wall 182 extends frominner edge 178 and terminates at terminal edge 184. Second abutment wall182 lies in a plane generally parallel to the plane in which first flatportion 140 of convex surface 134 lies and to the plane in which centralabutment wall 168 lies. Third abutment wall 186 extends between terminaledge 184 of second abutment wall 182 and terminal edge 148 a of secondarcuate portion 148 of surface 134. Third abutment wall 186 lies in aplane generally parallel to the plane in which second flat portion 144of convex surface 134 lies and the plane in which central abutment wall168 lies.

In order to interconnect left corner piece 26 to first side frame member14 and to upper cross frame member 18, end 18 a of upper cross framemember 18 is positioned against first face 30 a of first side framemember 14. Left corner piece 26 is positioned such that upper face 95 ofhorizontal plate member 94 engages first face 30 a of upper cross framemember 18 and such that outer face 109 of vertical plate member 96engages first face 30 a of first side frame member 14. Lip 116 is seatedin fourth ledge 82 of upper cross frame member 18 and lip 114 is seatedin first ledge 52 of first side frame member 14. Nut 104 is positionedin slot 32 in upper cross frame member 18 such that bolt receiving bores98 and 113 are axially aligned with threaded apertures 170 therein.Bolts 190 are inserted into bolt receiving bores 98 through horizontalplate member 94 and threaded into corresponding threaded apertures 170in nut 104. As bolts 190 are threaded into corresponding threadedapertures 170 in nut 104, central abutment wall 168 of nut 102 is drawntowards and engages abutment wall 42. Similarly, third abutment wall 186of nut 104 is drawn towards and engages second inner abutment wall 48.In addition, first and second abutment walls 164 and 182, respectively,of nut 102 slidably engage second outer abutment wall 46 and first innerabutment wall 44, respectively. Likewise, nut 104 is positioned in slot32 in first side frame member 14 such that bolt receiving bores 106 areaxially aligned with threaded apertures 170 therein. Bolts 190 areinserted into bolt receiving bores 106 through vertical plate member 96and threaded into corresponding threaded apertures 170 in nut 104. Asbolts 190 are threaded into corresponding threaded apertures 170 in nut104, central abutment wall 168 of nut 102 is drawn towards and engagesabutment wall 42. Similarly, third abutment wall 186 of nut 104 is drawntowards and engages second inner abutment wall 48. In addition, firstand second abutment walls 164 and 182, respectively, of nut 104 slidablyengage second outer abutment wall 46 and first inner abutment wall 44,respectively. As described, left corner piece 26 locks first side framemember 14 and upper cross frame member 18 together in multiple planes,thereby preventing the pivoting of first side frame member 14 and uppercross frame member 18 with respect to each other.

In the same manner, it can be appreciated that left corner pieces 26 maybe used to interconnect first side frame member 14 to lower cross framemember 20, FIG. 6, and to connect second side frame member 16 to upperand lower cross frame members 18 and 20, respectively, thereby formingdoor frame 12. It is contemplated to provide various alternateembodiments of corner pieces that may be used to interconnect first andsecond frame members, such as first side frame member 14 and lower framemember 20, at a right angle to each other.

Referring to FIGS. 24-26, an alternate embodiment of a corner piece isgenerally designated by the reference number 225. Corner piece 225includes an L-shaped body defined by horizontal plate member 227 and anupright or vertical plate member 229. Horizontal plate member 227defines a substantially flat lower face 231, a substantially flatopposite inner face 233, and inside face, and an end face 237. In thedepicted embodiment, each of these faces is substantially planar inshape. Upright or vertical plate member 229 also defines a substantiallyflat inner face 239 contiguous with the inner face 233 of horizontalplate member 227, a substantially flat outer face 241 contiguous withthe upper face 231 of horizontal plate member 227, and inside facecontiguous with the inside face of horizontal plate member 227, and anend face 245. Horizontal plate member 227 has an outwardly extendingbolt receiving bore 247 formed therethrough that extends between theinner face 233 and the lower face 231 thereof. Bore 247 defines an axisgenerally parallel to the plane in which vertical plate member 229 liesand is disposed at an acute angle with respect to inner face 233 ofhorizontal plate member 227. It is preferred that the acute angle fallin the range of 1° and 89°, but preferably between about 30° and about80°, and is most preferably about 65°. As best seen in FIG. 26, bolt 249extends through bore 247 in horizontal plate member 227 into slot 32 infirst face 30 a of a frame member, e.g., lower frame member 20. Nut 104is provided within a terminal end of the slot 32 in first face 30 a oflower frame member 20 and threaded onto the shaft of bolt 249 so as torigidly connect corner piece 225 to lower frame member 20.

Upright or vertical plate member 229 of corner piece 225 also includesan outwardly extending bolt receiving bore 251 formed therethrough fromits inner face 239 to its outer face 241 through which correspondingbolts (not shown) may extend into slot 32 in a face of a frame member,as heretofore described. Bore 251 defines an axis generally parallel tothe plane in which horizontal plate member 227 lies and is disposed atan acute angle with respect to the inner face 239 of vertical platemember 229. Again, this acute angle may be anywhere between 1° and 89°,but is preferably between about 30 and about 80, and is most preferablyabout 65°. A nut 104 may be provided within a terminal end of the slot32 in a face of a frame member and threaded onto the shafts of acorresponding bolt so as to rigidly connect vertical plate member 229 ofcorner piece 225 to a corresponding frame member.

Vertical plate member 229 has a lip 253 projecting outwardly therefrom.Lip 253 has a lower surface contiguous with the bottom face of verticalplate member 229 and is defined first and second converging sidewalls255 and 257, respectively, extending from outer face 241 of verticalplate member 229 along the entire length thereof and terminating atterminal end face 259. Although lip 253 need not necessarily extendalong the entire length of outer face 241 of vertical plate member 229,but preferably does so to provide the maximum amount of clamping forceagainst first and second sidewalls 34 and 36, respectively, extendingfrom a face and partially defining slot 32 in a frame member. Similarly,horizontal plate member 227 has a lip 261 projecting outwardlytherefrom. Lip 261 has an end surface contiguous with the end face 237of horizontal plate member 227 and is defined by first and secondconverging sidewalls 263 and 265, respectively, extending from lowerface 231 of horizontal plate member 227 along the entire length thereofand terminating at terminal end face 267. Although lip 261 need notnecessarily extend along the entire length across the lower face 231 ofhorizontal plate member 227, but preferably does so to provide themaximum amount of clamping force against first and second sidewalls 34and 36, respectively, extending from a face and partially defining slot32 in a frame member.

Corner piece 225 may also include first and second gussets 269 and 271,respectively, extending between the inner faces 233 and 239 ofhorizontal plate member 227 and vertical plate member 229, respectively.First and second gussets 269 and 271, respectively, include inner faces269 a and 271 a directed toward each other and outer faces 269 b and 271b.

Referring to FIGS. 27-41, an alternate embodiment of a left corner pieceis generally designated by the reference numeral 226. Each left cornerpiece 226 includes an L-shaped body defined by horizontal plate member228 and an upright or vertical plate member 230. Horizontal plate member228 defines a substantially flat upper face 232, a substantially flatopposite inner face 234, an inside face 236, and an end face 238. In thedepicted embodiment, each of these faces is substantially planar inshape. Upright or vertical plate member 230 also defines a substantiallyflat inner face 240 contiguous with the inner face 234 of horizontalplate member 228, a substantially flat outer face 242 contiguous withthe upper face 232 of horizontal plate member 228, an inside face 244contiguous with the inside face 236 of horizontal plate member 228, anda bottom face 246. Horizontal plate member 228 has an upwardly extendingbolt receiving bore 248 formed therethrough that extends between theinner face 234 and the upper face 232 thereof. Bore 248 defines an axisgenerally parallel to the plane in which vertical plate member 230 liesand is disposed at an acute angle with respect to the lower face ofhorizontal plate member 228. It is contemplated that the acute anglefall in the range of 1° and 89°, but preferably between about 30° andabout 80°, and most preferably about 65°. It is intended that a bolt(not shown) may be inserted through bore 248 in horizontal plate member228 into a slot 32 formed in a face of a frame member. It can beappreciated that a nut, such as nut 104 or a nut with a single threadedbore therethrough, is provided within the slot 32 of the frame member 18and the bolt is threaded therein so as to rigidly connect left cornerpiece 226 to the frame member.

Upright or vertical plate member 230 of left corner piece 226 alsoincludes an outwardly extending bolt receiving bore 250 formedtherethrough from its inner face 240 to its outer face 242. Bore 250defines an axis generally parallel to the plane in which horizontalplate member 228 lies and is disposed at an acute angle with respect tothe inner face 240 of vertical plate member 230. It is contemplated thatthe acute angle fall in the range of 1° and 89°, but is preferablybetween about 30° and about 80°, and most preferably about 65°. It canbe appreciated that a nut, such as nut 104 or a nut with a singlethreaded bore therethrough, may be provided within a slot 32 of a framemember such that the bolt may be threaded into the threaded bore of thenut so as to rigidly connect left corner piece 226 to the frame member.

Vertical plate member 230 has a lip 252 projecting outwardly therefrom.Lip 252 has a lower surface contiguous with the bottom face 246 ofvertical plate member 230. Lip 252 is disposed substantially 90° withrespect to the outer face 242 of vertical plate member 230 along theentire length thereof. Although lip 252 need not necessarily extendalong the entire length across the outer face 242 of vertical platemember 230, but preferably does so to provide the maximum amount ofclamping force against a ledge, e.g. ledge 52 in first side frame member14, of a frame member. Similarly, horizontal plate member 228 has a lip254 projecting outwardly therefrom. Lip 254 has an end surfacecontiguous with the end face 238 of horizontal plate member 228. Lip 254is disposed substantially 90° with respect to the upper face 232 ofhorizontal plate member 228 along the entire length thereof. Althoughlip 254 need not necessarily extend along the entire length across theupper face 232 of horizontal plate member 228, but preferably does so toprovide the maximum amount of clamping force against a ledge, e.g. ledge52 in upper side frame member 18, of a frame member.

Referring to FIGS. 49-55, a still further embodiment of a left cornerpiece is generally designated by the reference numeral 326. Left cornerpiece 326 is intended to interconnect first side frame member 14 toupper and lower cross frame members 18 and 20, respectively, asheretofore described. Each left corner piece 326 includes an L-shapedbody defined by horizontal plate member 294 and an upright or verticalplate member 296. Horizontal plate member 294 defines a substantiallyflat upper face 295, a substantially flat opposite inner face 297, aninside face 301, and a terminal edge 303. Inner face 297 isinterconnected to terminal edge 303 by chamfered face 305 extendingupwardly from edge 306 of inner face 297 at an angle of approximately45° thereto, although other angles are contemplated as being within thescope of the present invention. In the depicted embodiment, each ofthese faces is substantially planar in shape.

Upright or vertical plate member 296 also defines a substantially flatinner face 307 contiguous with the inner face 297 of horizontal platemember 294, a substantially flat outer face 309 contiguous with theupper face 295 of horizontal plate member 294, an inside face 311contiguous with the inside face 301 of horizontal plate member 294, anda bottom, terminal edge 315. Inner face 307 is interconnected toterminal edge 315 by chamfered face 317 extending downwardly from edge316 of inner face 307 at an angle of approximately 45° thereto, althoughother angles are contemplated as being within the scope of the presentinvention. In the depicted embodiment, each of these faces issubstantially planar in shape.

Horizontal plate member 294 has a pair of adjacent, upwardly extendingbolt receiving bores 298 and 299 formed therethrough that extend betweenthe inner face 297 and the upper face 295 thereof. Each bore 298 and 299defines an axis generally parallel to the plane in which vertical platemember 296 lies and is disposed at an acute angle with respect to innerface 297 of horizontal plate member 294. It is contemplated for theacute angle to fall in the range of 1° and 89°, but preferably betweenabout 30° and about 80°, and most preferably about 65°. Bolts (notshown) extend through corresponding bores 298 and 299, respectively, inhorizontal plate member 294 into slot 32 in first face 30 a of uppercross frame member 18. As hereinafter described, nuts 104 are providedwithin a terminal end of the slot 32 in first face 30 a of upper crossframe member 18 and threaded onto the shafts of corresponding bolts soas to rigidly connect left corner piece 326 to upper cross frame member18.

Upright or vertical plate member 296 of left corner piece 326 alsoincludes a pair of adjacent, aligned outwardly extending bolt receivingbores 304 and 308 formed therethrough from its inner face 307 to itsouter face 309 through which corresponding bolts (not shown) extend intoslot 32 in first face 30 a of first side frame member 14. Each bore 304and 308 defines an axis generally parallel to the plane in whichhorizontal plate member 294 lies and is disposed at an acute angle withrespect to the inner face 307 of vertical plate member 296. Again, thisacute angle may be anywhere between 1° and 89°, but is preferablybetween about 30° and about 80°, and is most preferably about 65°. Nuts104 are provided within a terminal end of the slot 32 in first face 30 aof first side frame member 14 and threaded onto the shafts ofcorresponding bolts so as to rigidly connect left corner piece 326 tofirst side frame member 14.

Vertical plate member 296 has a lip 314 projecting outwardly therefrom.Lip 314 has a lower surface contiguous with terminal edge 315 ofvertical plate member 296. Lip 314 is disposed substantially 90° withrespect to the outer face 309 of vertical plate member 296 along theentire length thereof. Although lip 314 need not necessarily extendalong the entire length across the outer face 309 of vertical platemember 296, but preferably does so to provide the maximum amount ofclamping force against first ledge 52 in first side frame member 14.Similarly, horizontal plate member 294 has a lip 318 projectingoutwardly therefrom. Lip 318 has an end surface contiguous with terminaledge 303 of horizontal plate member 294. Lip 318 is disposedsubstantially 90° with respect to the outer face 295 of horizontal platemember 294 along the entire length thereof. Although lip 318 need notnecessarily extend along the entire length across the outer face 295 ofvertical plate member 294, but preferably does so to provide the maximumamount of clamping force against first ledge 52 in upper side framemember 18. It is contemplated for outer face 320 of lip 318 to begenerally contiguous with outer face 322 of lip 314.

Left corner piece 326 first includes first and second gussets 326 and328, respectively, extending between the inner faces 297 and 307 ofhorizontal plate member 294 and vertical plate member 296. First andsecond gussets 326 and 328, respectively, include inner faces 326 a and328 a directed toward each other and outer faces 326 b and 328 b. Outerface 326 b of first gusset 326 is contiguous with outer face 320 of lip318 and with outer face 322 of lip 314.

It can be appreciated that all of the vertical and horizontal platemembers of the corner pierces heretofore described may utilize the lipsas described with respect to corner member 225. In such embodiments, thefirst, second, third and fourth ledges 52, 62, 72 and 82 are unnecessaryas the converging walls of lips 253 and 261 provide a clamping forceagainst first and second sidewalls 34 and 36 respectively, extendingfrom a face and partially defining slot 32 in a frame member.

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, it is contemplated to pivotably connect doorframe 12 to door jamb frame 410 by first and second spaced hinges 350and 352, respectively. Door jamb frame 410 is defined by first andsecond opposite, spaced apart, longitudinally extending side framemembers 414 and 416, respectively, and upper cross frame member 418.First side frame member 414 is rigidly interconnected to upper crossframe member 418 by upper plate 22 and corner piece 26, respectively.Similarly, second side frame member 16 is rigidly interconnected toupper cross frame member 418 by upper plate 22 and corner piece 26,respectively. In the depicted embodiment, first and second side framemembers 414 and 416, respectively, and upper cross frame member 418 areidentical in structure to each other and to first side frame member 14,heretofore described. As such, the prior description of first side framemember 14 is understood to describe first and second side frame members414 and 416, respectively, and upper cross frame member 418 of door jambframe 410, as if fully described herein.

Hinges 350 and 352 are identical in structure, and as such, thefollowing description of first hinge 350 is understood to describesecond hinge 352, as if fully described herein. Hinge 350 includes firstand second pivotable elements 354 and 356, respectively. First pivotableelement 354 includes wall 358 having a generally flat inner face 360, anopposite, generally flat outer face 362, first and second sides, 363 and365, respectively, and an end face 364. As best seen, in FIGS. 3-4, theintersection 366 of outer face 362 and end face 364 is generallyarcuate. Lip 368 projects outwardly from wall 358 and an outer surfacecontiguous with end face 364 of wall 358. More specifically, lip 368 isdisposed substantially 90° with respect to the outer face 362 of wall358 along the entire width thereof. Although lip 368 need notnecessarily extend along the entire length across the outer face 362 ofwall 358, but preferably does so to provide the maximum amount ofclamping force against first ledge 52 in first side frame member 14 ofdoor frame 12.

Wall 358 further includes bolt receiving bore 369 formed therethroughfrom its inner face 360 to its outer face 362. Bore 369 defines an axisdisposed at an acute angle with respect to the inner face 360 of wall358. It is contemplated that the acute angle fall in the range of 1° and89°, but is preferably between about 30° and about 80°, and mostpreferably about 65°. It can be appreciated that a nut, such as nut 104or a nut with a single threaded bore therethrough, may be providedwithin a slot 32 of side frame member 16 such that the bolt may bethreaded into the threaded bore of the nut so as to rigidly connectfirst element 354 of hinge 350 to side frame member 16.

Inner face 360 and outer face 362 of first element 354 of hinge 350 arefirst connected by generally cylindrical member 370. More specifically,cylindrical member 370 includes a generally cylindrical outer surface372 generally contiguous with inner face 360 and outer face 362 of wall358. Cylindrical member 370 further includes upper surface 374 generallycontiguous with first side 363 of wall 358 and lower surface 376generally contiguous with second side 365 of wall 358. Passageway 378extends between upper and lower surfaces 374 and 376 of cylindricalmember 370 and is adapted for receiving a first portion of pivot pin380.

Second pivotable element 356 includes wall 382 having a generally flatinner face 384, an opposite, generally flat outer face 386, first andsecond sides, 388 and 390, respectively, and an end face 392. As bestseen, in FIGS. 3 and 5, the intersection 394 of outer face 386 and endface 392 is generally arcuate. Lip 396 projects outwardly from wall 382and an outer surface contiguous with end face 392 of wall 382. Morespecifically, lip 396 is disposed substantially 90° with respect to theouter face 386 of wall 382 along the entire width thereof. Although lip396 need not necessarily extend along the entire length across the outerface 386 of wall 382, but preferably does so to provide the maximumamount of clamping force against first ledge 52 in first side framemember 414.

Wall 382 further includes bolt receiving bore 397 formed therethroughfrom its inner face 384 to its outer face 386. Bore 397 defines an axisdisposed at an acute angle with respect to the inner face 384 of wall382. It is contemplated that the acute angle fall in the range of 1° and89°, but is preferably between about 30° and about 80°, and mostpreferably about 65°. It can be appreciated that a nut, such as nut 104or a nut with a single threaded bore therethrough, may be providedwithin a slot 32 of side frame member 414 such that the bolt may bethreaded into the threaded bore of the nut so as to rigidly connectsecond element 356 of hinge 350 to side frame member 414.

Inner face 384 and outer face 386 of second element 356 of hinge 350 areinner connected by generally cylindrical member 398. More specifically,cylindrical member 398 includes a generally cylindrical outer surface400 generally contiguous with inner face 384 and outer face 386 of wall382. Cylindrical member 398 further includes upper surface 402 generallycontiguous with first side 388 of wall 382 and lower surface 404generally contiguous with second side 390 of wall 382. Passageway 406extends between upper and lower surfaces 402 and 404 of cylindricalmember 398 and is adapted for receiving a second portion of pivot pin380 such that first and second elements 354 and 356 are operativelyconnected to other. It can be appreciated that first and elements 354and 356, respectively, of hinge 350 are pivotable about pivot pin 380such that lower surface 376 of cylindrical member 370 of first element354 forms a slidable interface with upper surface 402 of cylindricalmember 398 of second element. Second hinge 352 may be also used tointerconnect door frame 12 to door jamb frame 410, as heretofore todescribed, so as to allow door frame 12 to pivot on first and secondhinges 350 and 352, respectively, with respect to door jamb frame 410.

Referring to FIGS. 56-58, an alternate embodiment of a hinge inaccordance with the present invention is generally designated by thereference number 351. Hinge 351 includes first and second pivotableelements 353 and 355, respectively. First pivotable element 353 includeswall 357 having a generally flat inner face 359, an opposite, generallyflat outer face 361, first and second sides, 367 and 383, respectively,and an end face 371. Lip 373 projects outwardly from outer face 361 isdefined by first and second converging sidewalls 375 and 377,respectively, extending from outer face 361 of along the entire lengththereof and terminating at terminal end face 379. Although lip 373 neednot necessarily extend along the entire length of outer face 361, butpreferably does so to provide the maximum amount of clamping forceagainst first and second sidewalls 34 and 36, respectively, extendingfrom a face and partially defining slot 32 in a frame member wheninterconnected thereto.

Wall 357 further includes spaced, bolt receiving bores 381 formedtherethrough from its inner face 359 to its outer face 361. Bores 381define axes disposed at acute angles with respect to the inner face 359of wall 357. It is contemplated that the acute angles fall in the rangeof 1° and 89°, but is preferably between about 30° and about 80°, andmost preferably about 65°. It can be appreciated that a nut, such as nut104, may be provided within a slot 32 of a frame member such that thebolts may be threaded into the threaded bores of the nut so as torigidly connect first element 353 of hinge 351 to the frame member.

Inner face 359 and outer face 361 of first element 353 of hinge 351 areconnected by generally cylindrical member 383. More specifically,cylindrical member 383 includes a generally cylindrical outer surface385 generally contiguous with inner face 359 and outer face 361 of wall357. Cylindrical member 383 further includes upper surface 385 agenerally contiguous with first side 367 of wall 357 and lower surface387 generally contiguous with second side 383 of wall 357. Passageway389 extends between upper and lower surfaces 385 a and 387 ofcylindrical member 383 and is adapted for receiving a first portion ofpivot pin, e.g. pivot pit 380.

Second pivotable element 355 includes wall 391 having a generally flatinner face 393, an opposite, generally flat outer face 395, first andsecond sides, 399 and 411, respectively, and an end face 401. Lip 403projects outwardly from outer face 395 is defined by first and secondconverging sidewalls 405 and 407, respectively, extending from outerface 395 of along the entire length thereof and terminating at terminalend face 409. Although lip 403 need not necessarily extend along theentire length of outer face 395, but preferably does so to provide themaximum amount of clamping force against first and second sidewalls 34and 36, respectively, extending from a face and partially defining slot32 in a frame member when interconnected thereto.

Wall 391 further includes space, bolt receiving bores 413 formedtherethrough from its inner face 393 to its outer face 395. Bores 413define axes disposed at acute angles with respect to the inner face 393of wall 391. It is contemplated that the acute angle fall in the rangeof 1° and 89°, but is preferably between about 30° and about 80°, andmost preferably about 65°. It can be appreciated that nut, such as nut104, may be provided within a slot 32 of a frame member such that thebolts may be threaded into the threaded bores of the nut so as torigidly connect second element 355 of hinge 351 to a frame member.

Inner face 393 and outer face 395 of second element 355 of hinge 351 areinterconnected by generally cylindrical member 415. More specifically,cylindrical member 415 includes a generally cylindrical outer surface417 generally contiguous with inner face 393 and outer face 395 of wall391. Cylindrical member 415 further includes upper surface 419 generallycontiguous with first side 399 of wall 391 and lower surface 421generally contiguous with second side 411 of wall 391. Passageway 423extends between upper and lower surfaces 419 and 421 of cylindricalmember 415 and is adapted for receiving a second portion of a pivot pin,e.g. pivot pin 380, such that first and second elements 353 and 355 areoperatively connected to other. It can be appreciated that first andelements 353 and 355, respectively, of hinge 351 are pivotable aboutpivot pin 380 such that lower surface 421 of cylindrical member 415 ofsecond element 355 forms a slidable interface with upper surface 385 aof cylindrical member 385 of first element 353.

Referring to FIG. 11, each upper plate 22 is defined by a generally flatinner face 430, an opposite, generally flat outer face 432, first andsecond sides 434 and 436, respectively, and first and second ends 438and 440, respectively. Vertical lip 442 projects outwardly from innerface 430 and has an upper surface 444 contiguous with first side 434; alower surface 446 contiguous with second side 436 and side surfacecontiguous with first end 438. Vertical lip 442 is disposedsubstantially 90° with respect to inner face 430 the entire widththereof. Although vertical lip 442 need not necessarily extend along theentire width across inner face 430, but preferably does so to providethe maximum amount of clamping force against ledge 72 in first sideframe member 414.

Upper plate 22 further includes at least one second horizontal lips 450.First horizontal lip 450 projects outwardly from inner face 430 and hasan upper surface 454 contiguous with first side 434; a lower surface(not shown) and end surface contiguous with second end 440. Firsthorizontal lip 450 is disposed substantially 90° with respect to innerface 430 along a portion of the length thereof so as so to provide themaximum amount of clamping force against first ledge 52 in upper crossframe member 418.

Upper plate 22 also includes a first pair of adjacent, aligned outwardlyextending, vertically spaced, bolt receiving bores 460 and 462 formedtherethrough from its outer face 432 to its inner face 430 through whichcorresponding bolts 464 and 466, respectively, extend into slot 32 inface 30 d of first side frame member 414. Each bore 460 and 462 isdisposed at an acute angle with respect to outer face 432. Again, thisacute angle may be anywhere between 1° and 89°, but is preferablybetween about 30° and about 80°, and is most preferably about 65°. Nut104 is provided within a terminal end of the slot 32 in first face 30 dof first side frame member 414 and threaded onto the shafts ofcorresponding bolts so as to rigidly connect upper plate 22 to firstside frame member 414.

A second pair of adjacent, aligned outwardly extending, horizontallyspaced, bolt receiving bores 468 and 470 formed in upper plate 22 fromits outer face 432 to its inner face 430 through which correspondingbolts 472 and 474, respectively, extend into slot 32 in first face 30 aof upper cross frame member 418. Each bore 468 and 470 is disposed at anacute angle with respect to outer face 432. Again, this acute angle maybe anywhere between 1° and 89°, but is preferably between about 30° andabout 80°, and is most preferably about 65°. Nut 104 is provided withina terminal end of the slot 32 in first face 30 a of upper cross framemember 418 and threaded onto the shafts of corresponding bolts so as torigidly connect upper plate 22 to upper cross frame member 418.

Referring to FIGS. 1-2 and 12-15, it is contemplated to interconnectfirst and second side frame members 414 and 416, respectively, of doorjamb frame 410 to support structure 500, as hereinafter described.Support structure 500 includes first and second, spaced apart,longitudinally extending support frame members 502 and 504,respectively, operatively connected by spaced, tubular supports 506 and508. First and second support frame members 502 and 504, respectively,are identical in structure, and as such, the description hereinafter offirst support frame member 502 is understood to describe second supportframe member 504, as if fully described herein.

First support frame member 502 has a generally rectangular configurationand extends along a longitudinal axis. First support frame member 502 isdefined by upper and lower faces 512 and 514, respectively, and firstand second side faces 516 and 518, respectively. Upper face 512 includesa centrally located slot 32, as heretofore described, extendinglongitudinally along the entire length thereof. Similarly, lower face514 includes a centrally located slot 32, as heretofore described,extending longitudinally along the entire length thereof; first sideface 516 includes a centrally located slot 32, as heretofore described,extending longitudinally along the entire length thereof; and secondside face 518 includes a centrally located slot 32, as heretoforedescribed, extending longitudinally along the entire length thereof.

First support frame member 502 includes a plurality of ledges 520 formedtherein. More specifically, upper face 512 and first side face 516intersect at first ledge 520; first side face 516 and lower face 514intersect at second ledge 520; lower face 514 and second side face 518intersect at third ledge 520; and second side face 518 and upper face512 intersect at fourth ledge 520. Each ledge 520 is identical instructure and is defined by first and second sidewalls 522 and 524,respectively, which are perpendicular to each other. First and secondside faces 516 and 518, respectively, further include a pair of grooves525 formed therein and located on opposite sides of slots 32. Eachgroove 525 is identical in structure and is defined by first and secondparallel sidewalls 527 and 529, respectively, interconnected by innerwall 531 which is perpendicular thereto. First support frame member 502may also include a plurality of passageways 526 a-526 h therethroughalong the entire longitudinal length thereof.

In order to interconnect tubular support 506 to upper and lower faces512 and 514, respectively, of first and second support frame members 502and 504, respectively, face connectors 528 are provided. Morespecifically, each face connector 528 includes collar 530 having an openend 532 adapted for receiving an end of a corresponding tubular support506 and 508. A generally rectangular wall 534 includes an inner face 537closing a second, opposite end 536 of collar 530 and an outer face 538.Mounting wall 540 extends laterally from outer face 538 and is generallyperpendicular thereto. Mounting wall 540 is partially defined by anupper face 542 and an opposite, downwardly directed lower face 544.Spaced gussets 543 extend between lower face 544 of mounting wall 540and outer face 538 of wall 534 to provide strength and stability to eachface connector 528. Vertical lip 546 projects upwardly from upper face542 of mounting wall 540. It is contemplated for vertical lip 546 to bedisposed at an angle substantially 90° with respect to upper face 542along the entire width thereof. Although vertical lip 546 need notnecessarily extend along the entire width of upper face 542, butpreferably does so to provide the maximum amount of clamping forceagainst a corresponding ledge 520 in first or second support framemember 502 and 504, respectively.

Mounting wall 540 further includes at least one outwardly extending,bolt receiving bore 550 formed therein. Each bolt receiving bore 550extends from lower face 544 to upper face 542 for receiving acorresponding bolt 554 therethrough. Each bore 550 is disposed at anacute angle with respect to lower face 544 of mounting wall 540. Again,this acute angle may be anywhere between 1° and 89°, but is preferablybetween about 30° and about 80°, and is most preferably about 65°. Eachbore 550 is adapted for receiving a corresponding bolt 554 therethoughand for projecting into slot 32 in upper or lower face 512 and,respectively, of a corresponding first or second support frame member502 and 504 respectively. Nut 104 is provided within a terminal end ofslot 32 and threaded onto the shaft of each bolt 554 so as to 1) connectlower frame connector 538 to a corresponding first or second supportframe member 502 and 504 respectively; and 2) clamp vertical lip 546against a corresponding ledge 520 in first or second support framemember 502 and 504, respectively.

In operation, collars 530 of face connectors 528 are fixed to oppositeends of tubular support 506. Upper face 542 of mounting wall 540 of afirst face connector 528 is positioned adjacent lower face 514 of firstsupport frame member 502 such that vertical lip 546 of the first faceconnector 528 is received in second ledge 520 of first support framemember 502. Likewise, upper face 542 of mounting wall 540 of a secondface connector 528 is positioned adjacent lower face 514 of secondsupport frame member 504 such that vertical lip 546 of the second faceconnector 528 is received in third ledge 520 of second support framemember 504. A first bolt 554 is inserted through bore 550 throughmounting wall 540 of first face connector 528 and into slot 32 in lowerface 514 of first support frame member 502. Nut 104 is provided within aterminal end of slot 32 and threaded onto the shaft of the first bolt554 so as to 1) connect first frame connector 538 to first support framemember 502; and 2) clamp vertical lip 546 against a second ledge 520 infirst support frame member 502. A second bolt 554 is inserted throughbore 550 through mounting wall 540 of second face connector 528 and intoslot 32 in lower face 514 of second support frame member 504. Nut 104 isprovided within a terminal end of slot 32 and threaded onto the shaft ofthe second bolt 554 so as to 1) connect second frame connector 538 tosecond support frame member 504; and 2) clamp vertical lip 546 against athird ledge 520 in second support frame member 504.

In order to interconnect tubular support 508 to first or second sidefaces 516 and 518, respectively, of first and second support framemembers 502 and 504, respectively, side connectors 560 are provided.More specifically, each side connector 560 includes collar 562 having anopen end 564 adapted for receiving an end of a corresponding tubularsupport 508. A generally rectangular mounting wall 566 includes a firstface 568 closing a second, opposite end 570 of collar 562 and a second,opposite face 572. Mounting wall 566 extends laterally from collar 562and includes lip 574 projecting outwardly from second face 572 ofmounting wall 540. It is contemplated for lip 574 to be disposed at anangle substantially 90° with respect to second face 572 along the entirewidth thereof. Although lip 574 need not necessarily extend along theentire width of second face 572, but preferably does so as to providethe maximum amount of clamping force in corresponding grooves 525 infirst or second support frame members 502 and 504, respectively.

Mounting wall 566 further includes first and second spaced boltreceiving bores 578 and 580 formed therein. Bores 578 and 580 arepositioned on opposite sides of collar 562 and extend from first face568 to second face 570 for receiving a corresponding bolts 582therethrough. Bores 578 and 580 are disposed at an acute angle withrespect to first face 568 of mounting wall 566. Again, this acute anglemay be anywhere between 1° and 89°, but is preferably between about 30°and about 80°, and is most preferably about 65°. Bores 578 and 580 areadapted for receiving corresponding bolts 582 therethough and forprojecting into slot 32 in first or second side faces 516 and 518,respectively, of a corresponding first or second support frame member502 and 504, respectively. Nut 104 is provided within a terminal end ofslot 32 and threaded onto the shaft of each bolt 582 so as to 1) connecteach side frame connector 560 to a corresponding first or second supportframe member 502 and 504 respectively; and 2) clamp lip 574 incorresponding groove 525 in first or second support frame member 502 and504, respectively.

In operation, collars 562 of side connectors 560 are fixed to oppositeends of tubular support 508. Second face 572 of mounting wall 566 of afirst side connector 560 is positioned adjacent first side face 516 offirst support frame member 502 such that lip 574 of the first sideconnector 560 is received in corresponding groove 525 in first side face516 of first support frame member 502. Likewise, second face 572 ofmounting wall 566 of a second side connector 560 is positioned adjacentsecond side face 518 of second support frame member 504 such that lip574 of second side face 518 of the second face connector 528 is receivedin corresponding groove 525 of second support frame member 504. Bolts582 are inserted through bores 578 and 580 through mounting wall 566 offirst side connector 560 and into slot 32 in first side face 516 offirst support frame member 502. Nut 104 is provided within a terminalend of slot 32 and threaded onto the shafts of the bolts 582 so as to 1)connect first side connector 560 to first support frame member 502; and2) clamp lips 574 and 576 in grooves 525 in first support frame member502. Similarly, bolts 582 are inserted through bores 578 and 580 throughmounting wall 566 of second side connector 560 and into slot 32 insecond side face 518 of second support frame member 504. Nut 104 isprovided within a terminal end of slot 32 and threaded onto the shaftsof the bolt 582 so as to 1) connect second side connector 560 to secondsupport frame member 504; and 2) clamp lips 574 in corresponding groove525 in second support frame member 504.

Referring to FIGS. 1-2 and 16-17, alternatively, it is contemplated tointerconnect support frame members 502 and 504, respectively, withtubular frame member 590, as hereinafter described. Tubular frame member590 has a generally circular cross section and extends along alongitudinal axis. Tubular frame member 590 is partially defined by aplurality of circumstantially space faces 592 a-592 d. Each face 592a-592 d includes a centrally located slot 32, as heretofore described,extending longitudinally along the entire length thereof. Face 592 a isinterconnected to face 592 b by arcuate wall 594 a; face 592 b isinterconnected to face 592 c by arcuate wall 594 b; face 592 c isinterconnected to face 592 d by arcuate wall 594 c; and face 592 d isinterconnected to face 592 a by arcuate wall 594 d. Shoulder 598 isformed at the intersection of face 592 a and arcuate wall 594 a;shoulder 600 is formed at the intersection of arcuate wall 594 a andface 592 b; shoulder 602 is formed at the intersection of face 592 b andarcuate wall 594 b; shoulder 604 is formed at the intersection ofarcuate wall 594 b and face 592 c; shoulder 606 is formed at theintersection of face 592 c and arcuate wall 594 c; shoulder 608 isformed at the intersection of arcuate wall 594 c and face 592 d;shoulder 610 is formed at the intersection of face 592 d and arcuatewall 594 d; and shoulder 612 is formed at the intersection of arcuatewall 594 d and face 592 a.

As best seen in FIGS. 16-17, central hub 616 is disposed within andconcentric with tubular rim 618 along the entire length thereof.Similarly, tubular rim 618 is disposed within and concentric withtubular frame member 590 along the entire length thereof. Outer surface616 a of central hub 616 and inner surface 618 b of tubular rim 618 areinterconnected by a plurality of circumferentially spaced inner spokes620. Outer surface 618 a of tubular rim 618 and inner surface 590 a oftubular frame member 590 are interconnected by a plurality ofcircumferentially spaced outer spokes 622. Outer spokes 622 are radiallyaligned with inner spokes 620. In the depicted embodiment, it isintended for the arrangement of central hub 616, tubular rim 618, innerspokes 620 and outer spokes 622 to provide strength and rigidity totubular frame member 590.

In the depicted embodiment, faces 592 b and 592 d of tubular framemember 590 are connected to second side face 518 of first support framemember 502 by corners 26, as heretofore described. More specifically, aleft corner piece 26 is positioned such that upper face 95 of horizontalplate member 94 engages face 592 d of tubular frame member 590 and suchthat outer face 109 of vertical plate member 96 engages second side face518 of first support frame member 502. Lip 116 is seated in shoulder 610of tubular frame member 590 and lip 114 is seated in groove 525 insecond side face 518 of first support frame member 502. Nut 104 ispositioned in slot 32 in face 592 d of tubular frame member such thatbolt receiving bores 98 and 113 in the left corner piece 26 are axiallyaligned with threaded apertures 170 in nut 104. Bolts 190 are insertedinto bolt receiving bores 98 and 113 through horizontal plate member 94and threaded into corresponding threaded apertures 170 in nut 104. Asbolts 190 are threaded into corresponding threaded apertures 170 in nut104, central abutment wall 168 of nut 104 is drawn towards and engagesabutment wall 42. Similarly, third abutment wall 186 of nut 104 is drawntowards and engages second inner abutment wall 48. In addition, firstand second abutment walls 164 and 182, respectively, of nut 102 slidablyengage second outer abutment wall 46 and first inner abutment wall 44,respectively. Likewise, a second nut 104 is positioned in slot 32 insecond side face 518 of first support frame member 502 such that boltreceiving bores 105 and 106 in the left corner piece 26 are axiallyaligned with threaded apertures 170 in the second nut 104. Bolts 190 areinserted into bolt receiving bores 105 and 106 through vertical platemember 96 and threaded into corresponding threaded apertures 170 in nut104. As bolts 190 are threaded into corresponding threaded apertures 170in nut 104, central abutment wall 168 of nut 102 is drawn towards andengages abutment wall 42. Similarly, third abutment wall 186 of nut 104is drawn towards and engages second inner abutment wall 48. In addition,first and second abutment walls 164 and 182, respectively, of nut 104slidably engage second outer abutment wall 46 and first inner abutmentwall 44, respectively. As described, left corner piece 26 locks face 592d of tubular frame member 590 and second side face 518 of first supportframe member 502 together in multiple planes, thereby preventing thepivoting of tubular frame member 590 and first support frame member 502with respect to each other. In the same manner, a right corner piece 26is used to lock face 592 b of tubular frame member 590 and second sideface 518 of first support frame member 502 together in multiple planes,thereby preventing the pivoting of tubular frame member 590 and firstsupport frame member 502 with respect to each other.

In order to interconnect faces 592 a and 592 c of tubular support member590 to corresponding upper and lower faces 512 and 514, respectively, offirst support frame member 502, mounting plates 630 are provided. Eachmounting plate 630 is generally T-shaped and includes first and secondlegs 632 and 634, respectively, generally perpendicular to each other.First leg 632 is defined by a generally flat inner face 636, anopposite, generally flat outer face 638, and first and second sides 640and 642, respectively. Lip 644 depends from inner face 636 at an angleof substantially 90° thereto at a location adjacent first side 640. Itis contemplated for lip 644 to preferably extend along the entire lengthof first leg 632 to provide the maximum amount of clamping force againstshoulder 598 of tubular frame member 590.

Second leg 634 is defined by a generally flat inner face 646 coincidentwith inner face 636 of first leg 632, an opposite, generally flat outerface 648 coincident with outer face 638 of first leg 632, and a terminaledge 650. Lip 652 depends from inner face 646 at an angle ofsubstantially 90° thereto at a location adjacent terminal edge 650. Itis contemplated for lip 652 to preferably extend along the entire widthof second leg 634 to provide the maximum amount of clamping forceagainst a corresponding ledge 520 of first support frame member 502.

First leg 632 of mounting plate 630 also includes a first pair ofadjacent, aligned outwardly extending, spaced, bolt receiving bores 656formed therethrough from its outer face 638 to its inner face 636through which corresponding bolts 658 extend into slot 32 in face 592 aof tubular support member 590. Each bore 656 is disposed at an acuteangle with respect to outer face 638. Again, this acute angle may beanywhere between 1° and 89°, but is preferably between about 30° andabout 80°, and is most preferably about 65°. Second leg 634 of mountingplate 630 also includes a first pair of adjacent, aligned outwardlyextending, spaced, bolt receiving bores 660 formed therethrough from itsouter face 648 to its inner face 646 through which corresponding bolts662 extend into slot 32 in upper face 512 of first support frame member502. Each bore 660 is disposed at an acute angle with respect to outerface 648. Again, this acute angle may be anywhere between 1° and 89°,but is preferably between about 30° and about 80°, and is mostpreferably about 65°.

In order to connect tubular support member 590 to upper face 512 offirst support frame member 502, nut 104 is provided within a terminalend of the slot 32 in face 592 a of tubular support member 590 andthreaded onto the shafts of corresponding bolts 658 so as to rigidlyconnect mounting plate 630 to face 592 a of tubular support member 590.Similarly, nut 104 is provided within a terminal end of the slot 32 inupper face 512 of first support frame member 502 and threaded onto theshafts of corresponding bolts 662 so as to rigidly connect mountingplate 630 to upper face 512 of first support frame member 502. Toconnect tubular support member 590 to lower face 514 of first supportframe member 502, nut 104 is provided within a terminal end of the slot32 in face 592 c of tubular support member 590 and threaded onto theshafts of corresponding bolts 658 so as to rigidly connect mountingplate 630 to face 592 c of tubular support member 590. Similarly, nut104 is provided within a terminal end of the slot 32 in lower face 514of first support frame member 502 and threaded onto the shafts ofcorresponding bolts 662 so as to rigidly connect mounting plate 630 tolower face 514 of first support frame member 502.

Referring to FIGS. 1-2 and 18-18B, it is contemplated to rigidlyinterconnect various components to frame assembly 10. By way of example,a slide, generally designated by the reference numeral 670, isinterconnected to second support frame member 504 via frame member 672.Frame member 672 is identical to first side frame member 14, heretoforedescribed. As such, the previous description of first side frame member14 is understood to describe frame member 672 as if fully providedherein.

In the depicted embodiment, face 30 c of frame member 672 is connectedto upper face 512 of second support frame member 504 by corner 26, asheretofore described. More specifically, a left corner piece 26 ispositioned such that upper face 95 of horizontal plate member 94 engagesupper face 512 of second support frame member 504 and such that outerface 109 of vertical plate member 96 engages face 30 c of frame member672. Lip 116 is seated in fourth ledge 520 in second support framemember 504 and lip 114 is seated in second ledge 62 in frame member 672.Nut 104 is positioned in slot 32 in upper face 512 of second supportframe member 504 such that bolt receiving bores 98 in the left cornerpiece 26 are axially aligned with threaded apertures 170 in nut 104.Bolts 190 are inserted into bolt receiving bores 98 through horizontalplate member 94 and threaded into corresponding threaded apertures 170in nut 104. As bolts 190 are threaded into corresponding threadedapertures 170 in nut 104, central abutment wall 168 of nut 102 is drawntowards and engages abutment wall 42. Similarly, third abutment wall 186of nut 104 is drawn towards and engages second inner abutment wall 48.In addition, first and second abutment walls 164 and 182, respectively,of nut 102 slidably engage second outer abutment wall 46 and first innerabutment wall 44, respectively. Likewise, a second nut 104 is positionedin slot 32 in face 30 c of frame member 672 such that bolt receivingbores 106 in the left corner piece 26 are axially aligned with threadedapertures 170 in the second nut 104. Bolts 190 are inserted into boltreceiving bores 106 through vertical plate member 96 and threaded intocorresponding threaded apertures 170 in nut 104. As bolts 190 arethreaded into corresponding threaded apertures 170 in nut 104, centralabutment wall 168 of nut 102 is drawn towards and engages abutment wall42. Similarly, third abutment wall 186 of nut 104 is drawn towards andengages second inner abutment wall 48. In addition, first and secondabutment walls 164 and 182, respectively, of nut 104 slidably engagesecond outer abutment wall 46 and first inner abutment wall 44,respectively. As described, left corner piece 26 locks face 30 c offrame member 672 and upper face 512 of second support frame member 504together in multiple planes, thereby preventing frame member 672 andsecond support frame member 504 from pivoting with respect to eachother.

Slide 670 includes an elongated bar 674 having a generally I-shapedcross section. Bar 674 is defined by a generally flat inner face 676, agenerally flat outer face 678, first and second sides 680 and 682,respectively, and first and second opposite ends 684 and 686,respectively. First and second sides 680 and 682, respectively, includecorresponding grooves 688 and 690, respectively, therein. Grooves 688and 690 extend longitudinally from first end 684 to second end 686 ofbar 674 and lie in a common plane. Groove 688 is defined by recessedsurface 689 having first and second diverging sidewalls 691 and 693,respectively, projecting therefrom and terminating at side 680.Similarly, groove 690 is defined by recessed surface 695 having firstand second diverging sidewalls 697 and 699, respectively, projectingtherefrom and terminating at side 682.

Bar 674 further includes a plurality of axially aligned, outwardlyextending, spaced, bolt receiving bores 692 formed therethrough from itsouter face 678 to its inner face 676 through which corresponding bolts694 extend into slot 32 in face 30 a of support member 672. Each bore692 is disposed at an acute angle with respect to outer face 678. Again,this acute angle may be anywhere between 1° and 89°, but is preferablybetween about 30° and about 80°, and is most preferably about 65°. Inorder to interconnect bar 674 to face 30 a of frame member 672, side 680of bar 674 is positioned against lip 701 projecting from face 30 a offrame member 672. Nuts 104 are positioned in slot 32 in face 30 a offrame member 672 such that bolt receiving bores 692 are axially alignedwith threaded apertures 170 in corresponding nuts 104. Bolts 694 areinserted into bolt receiving bores 692 through bar 674 and threaded intocorresponding threaded apertures 170 in nut 104. As bolts 694 arethreaded into corresponding threaded apertures 170 in nut 104, centralabutment wall 168 of nut 104 is drawn towards and engages abutment wall42. Similarly, third abutment wall 186 of nut 104 is drawn towards andengages second inner abutment wall 48. In addition, first and secondabutment walls 164 and 182, respectively, of nut 104 slidably engagesecond outer abutment wall 46 and first inner abutment wall 44,respectively. As nuts 104 are tightened onto bolts 694, it can beappreciated 1) bar 674 is secured to frame member 672 and; and 2) bar674 is clamped again lip 701, thereby locking bar 674 to frame member672 in multiple planes.

One or more generally C-shaped sliding elements 700 are slidablyreceived on bar 674, FIG. 18. Each sliding element 700 includes agenerally rectangular base 702 having an inner surface 704 and an outersurface 706. A plurality of bores 707 may be provided in outer surface706 of sliding element 700 to interconnect sliding element 700 todesired item, such a desk drawer or the like, which a user intends toslide along frame member 672, as hereinafter described. Inner and outersurfaces 704 and 706, respectively, of sliding element 700 areinterconnected by generally planar sides 708 and 710. Legs 712 and 714project from inner surface 704 at opposite ends 716 and 718 of base 702and terminate at corresponding end surfaces 724 and 726, respectively.Leg 712 includes an outer surface 720 generally co-planar with end 716of base 716 and an inner surface 722 which intersects and isperpendicular to inner surface 704 of base 702. Similarly, leg 714includes an outer surface 728 generally co-planar with end 718 of base716 and an inner surface 730 which intersects and is perpendicular toinner surface 704 of base 702. Sliding element 700 further includesguides 732 and 734 extending from corresponding inner surfaces 722 and730 of legs 712 and 714, respectively, and terminating at correspondingend surfaces 736 and 738, respectively. End surfaces 736 and 738 ofguides 732 and 734, respectively, are interconnected to inner surfaces722 and 730 of legs 712 and 714, respectively, by guide surfaces 740 and742, respectively, which diverge from inner surface 704 of base 702.

End surface 736 and guide surface 740 of guide 732 form slidableinterfaces with recessed surface 689 and first sidewall 691 defininggroove 688 in first side 680 of bar 674. Likewise, end surface 738 andguide surface 742 of guide 734 form slidable interfaces with recessedsurface 695 and first sidewall 697 defining groove 690 in second side682 of bar 674. As described, guides 732 and 734 retain sliding element700 on bar 674 and guide movement of sliding element 700 along bar 674along the length thereof.

Various modes of carrying out the invention are contemplated as beingwithin the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out anddistinctly claiming the subject matter, which is regarded as theinvention.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A connection assembly for a framestructure, comprising: a generally flat plate, the plate being definedby an inner face lying in a plane, an outer face and a first pair ofbolt-receiving bores therethrough, the pair of bolt-receiving boresextending between the inner face and the outer face along bore axes atacute angles to the outer face; a first lip extending from the innerface of the plate along a first axis; a second lip extending from theinner face of the plate along a second axis generally perpendicular tothe second axis; a first pair of bolts extending through the first pairof bolt-receiving bores in the plate; a first elongated frame memberhaving a surface with a slot extending therein; a second elongated framemember having a surface with a slot extending therein; a first nutreceivable in the slot in the first elongated frame member and includinga bolt-receiving bore therein, the bolt-receiving bore adapted forreceiving a first bolt of the first pair of bolts in a matingrelationship; and a second nut receivable in the slot in the secondelongated frame member and including a bolt-receiving bore therein, thebolt-receiving bore in the second nut adapted for receiving a secondbolt of the first pair of bolts in a mating relationship; wherein thefirst pair of bolt-receiving bores includes a first bolt-receiving boreextending along a first bore axis lying in a first plane and a secondbolt-receiving bore extending along a second bore axis lying in a secondplane, the first and second planes intersecting.
 2. The connectionassembly of claim 1 wherein each slot is defined by first and secondconverging sidewalls, the sidewalls lying in corresponding planes whichare at acute angles to the surface in which the slot extends.
 3. Theconnection assembly of claim 2 wherein the first and second convergingsidewalls have terminal ends and wherein each slot is further defined byfirst and second diverging outer abutment walls which extend from theterminal ends of the first and second converging sidewalls and haveterminal ends.
 4. The connection assembly of claim 3 wherein each slotis further defined by first and second diverging inner abutment wallsextending from the terminal ends of the first and second outer divergingsidewalls toward the surface in which the slot extends, the first andsecond diverging inner abutment walls having terminal ends.
 5. Theconnection assembly of claim 4 wherein the terminal ends of the firstand second diverging inner abutment walls defining each slot areinterconnected by a generally concave terminal wall.
 6. The connectionassembly of claim 3 wherein each nut includes; a generally flatengagement surface having first and second edges and being engageablewith one of the first and second diverging outer abutment walls definingthe slot in which the nut is received; a first abutment wall extendingfrom the first edge of the engagement surface and engageable with one ofthe first and second diverging inner abutment walls defining the slot inwhich the nut is received; an alignment surface extending from thesecond edge of the engagement surface and having a terminal edge, thealignment surface being generally perpendicular to the engagementsurface; a second abutment wall extending from the terminal edge of thealignment surface and being engageable with the other of the first andsecond diverging outer abutment walls defining the slot in which the nutis received, the second abutment wall having a terminal edge; and athird abutment wall extending from the terminal edge of the secondabutment wall and being engageable with the other of the first andsecond diverging inner abutment walls defining the slot in which the nutis received, the third abutment wall having a terminal edge.
 7. Theconnection assembly of claim 6 wherein the bolt-receiving bore in eachnut extends along an axis generally perpendicular to the engagementsurface of the nut.
 8. The connection assembly of claim 1 wherein theplate is generally T-shaped.